In the Ikotun, Lagos, a modest red-roofed temple defies religious boundaries, serving as a haven for Christians and Muslims to unite in worship. The temple, known as God the Creator of the World Interfaith Ministry, has been fostering harmony for over 12 years, blending traditions from both faiths and inspiring worshippers to embrace a shared humanity.
Located at the end of Lasisi Osaju Street, the temple greets visitors with a signpost proclaiming, “Jehovah Allah, you are the greatest.” This simple message encapsulates the temple’s commitment to bridging religious divides. Inside, worshippers gather on polished tiled floors in vibrant attire reflecting their diverse faiths—women in abayas sit alongside others in church dresses, their voices harmonizing in both Christian hymns and Islamic songs.
During services, the atmosphere is electric with unity. The temple leader, dressed in traditional clothing that merges Christian and Muslim styles, delivers sermons rooted in shared values of compassion, charity, and peace, drawing from both the Bible and the Qur’an. The congregation listens attentively, embodying the temple’s ethos of love and acceptance.
As the choir takes the stage, dressed in robes blending Christian and Islamic influences, they lead the congregation in songs that transcend religious boundaries. Children play joyfully in the aisles, while parents, regardless of faith, share smiles. “Here, we celebrate differences and find strength in our similarities,” a member noted.
For many, the temple has been life-changing. Lagos-born Alhaji Morzuq Ibrahim, who joined the temple over a decade ago, credits it with reshaping his perspective on faith. “I met the prophet about 15 years ago during a difficult time in my life,” he recalled. “The prayers here revealed solutions to my challenges without requiring money or rituals. I’ve learned that God is one and religion should unite, not divide.”
After completing his pilgrimage to Mecca in 2023, Ibrahim’s resolve to embrace the temple’s teachings deepened. “In Mecca, I saw people from all walks of life united by a common purpose. It affirmed that all religions ultimately worship the same God,” he shared.
Mary Kemi, another member, found comfort in the temple’s interfaith teachings due to her upbringing. With a Muslim mother and a Christian father, she grew up attending both mosques and churches. “When I was introduced to this temple, it felt natural. We sing songs from both faiths, and everyone respects each other’s beliefs,” she explained.
The temple’s founder, Mobolaji Ganiyu Elijah Oshoba, embodies the vision of unity. Sitting quietly in a corner of the sanctuary, Oshoba recounted his journey from a childhood marked by hardship to his calling to foster interfaith harmony. Losing his father at 13, he grew up balancing family responsibilities and a career in electrical electronics.
Oshoba’s message is clear: religious discrimination hinders societal growth. “This temple is a sanctuary for all, a place where love transcends doctrines,” he said. He emphasized that the temple does not celebrate Christmas but observes Ramadan and Lent, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity.
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The temple’s unique design accommodates both Christian and Islamic practices, with an architectural style reminiscent of a church and a mosque. Daily prayers are held for Muslims, while Christians join in worship, creating a harmonious blend of traditions.
Members believe the temple’s success lies in its ability to transcend religious boundaries. “Discrimination divides us,” said Ajibola Oshoba, a member who took three years to embrace the temple’s teachings. “Unity brings growth and peace.”
As the congregation exits each service, their smiles and warm exchanges reflect a deeper truth—that in this humble temple in Lagos, faith transcends labels, fostering a community grounded in shared devotion and mutual respect.
In a world often divided by religious differences, this Lagos temple stands as a powerful reminder of what is possible when love and understanding take center stage. As Alhaji Ibrahim aptly put it, “We help each other grow, whether you’re going to Jerusalem or Mecca. As long as you’re serving God, you’re welcome here.”